To make children love reading...

If parents put in the effort, we can instill a love of reading in children from a very young age.

Parents and children reading together. Photo: Nguyet Que

Let my child encounter books.

On weekends, the bookstore's children's section is bustling with the laughter and chatter of little ones. Some are hiding in a corner, engrossed in reading; others are searching for their favorite book; some are just learning to walk, admiring the book covers and gently touching the pages; and some are nuzzling their noses against the pages, inhaling the scent of new books.

Numerous studies have shown that children whose parents read to them, or whose families engage in reading activities, have better language skills than their peers. For many families, this is a great starting point to support their children in developing a reading habit.

It's important to clarify that for young children, books are also toys—to look at, touch, interact with, and sometimes even tear or rip. Therefore, choosing age-appropriate books requires careful consideration not only of content but also of form. Recognizing that building a reading habit and a love of books is a long-term process requiring serious investment, we understand that taking our children to bookstores and buying books for them is just the first step.

In today's era, when children's books have become a vibrant market with many genres for diverse age groups, fairy tales are no longer the only option. What remains unchanged is the time spent reading aloud to children before bedtime, or at any free time during the day. That is the way to cultivate a love for books.

In their early years, children are intimately connected to their parents. Instead of saying that books foster affection, it's more accurate to say that the love children have for their parents is conveyed through this bonding medium: books.

From this point on, beyond its role as a toy, the book takes on other layers of meaning, associated with warm, joyful times spent with father, with the loving voice of mother, thus becoming a precious friend with a much deeper connection. This is when books truly become present and intertwined with a child's life in the early stages.

The joy of books

So what exactly is the joy in books? First, it's the funny, humorous stories, from the illustrations to the plot. If children stop to laugh while reading, are delighted, and enjoy reading it again and again, laughing heartily, then that's already a success.

Next, joy comes when curiosity is satisfied, and children get to learn about the fields and topics they love. Some children cling to books about dinosaurs, some hug books about cars to sleep, and some treasure their geography books like precious possessions… So, start with a book on a topic your child loves.

Joy will naturally lead children to seek out books to reread repeatedly; laughter helps them remember stories and learn knowledge quickly. At this point, there's no need to force them; children will naturally approach books, establish a connection, and embark on a reading journey as a fascinating adventure.

Children are not miniature adults, so they cannot embark on an effective reading adventure without adult guidance. So what should adults do? Parents' role in nurturing a love of reading in children is significant, and success cannot be achieved overnight.

When children are young, parents need to buy age-appropriate books and spend time reading aloud to them, establishing the first connections. As children grow older, parents should continue to invest in age-appropriate books that suit their interests so that they can enjoy reading. A love of reading also requires children to be exposed to many books every day; if they don't find anything they want to read, it's difficult for them to develop a passion for reading. Take your children to the library or bookstore regularly, and at home, have a few carefully selected bookshelves so they can freely choose what to read.

Alongside this, creating a positive reading environment for children is also essential. Children cannot read books when their parents are glued to their phones, nor can they prioritize books when their parents hand them an iPad with thousands of temptations to keep them quiet.

Psychologist Nguyen Tu Anh shared her perspective: To cultivate a love of reading, a combination of building habits from an early age (in a fun way) and learning through observing the environment (learned behaviors) is needed.

Clearly, a free reading environment combined with strict electronic device discipline is one of the prerequisites for young children to enjoy reading.

Source: https://baodanang.vn/de-tre-con-yeu-thich-viec-doc-3333316.html